We are much more than sinners saved by grace. We are called saints and we are called to be saints (Romans 1:7). We are called from our former life as sinners (2 Peter 1:9). Conversion frees us from being a slave to sin (Romans 6:1ff). Jesus said, to more than one person, “Go and sin no more” (John 5:14, 8:11). John said, “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1 NKJV). We never reach the place that we cannot sin, but the willful practice of sin, and the expectation to do so, is not to be a part of our present. In the literature of ancient Israel we read, “Have you sinned, my child? Do so no more, but ask forgiveness for your past sins. Flee from sin as from a snake; for if you approach sin, it will bite you. Its teeth are lion’s teeth, and can destroy human lives” (Sirach 21:1–2 NRSV).
Lord, thank You for the grace that receives sinners and transforms them into Your saints (holy ones). Thank you for freeing us from sin’s slavery. Enable us by Your Spirit to live a life of victory over sin, the world, the flesh and the devil. Amen!
